1788 1/2P Machin's, Vlack 23-88A, BN MS(PCGS#826967)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

1466

Grade

AU58+BN

Price

6,600

Lot Description

109.7 grains. One of the most choice and most attractive Machin's Mills pieces we've ever seen, a high Condition Census specimen of this popular variety. Both sides are frosty and even milk chocolate brown, with exceptional surface and profoundly positive aesthetic appeal. The strike is sharp and well centered, with denticles around the right obverse and entire reverse. There are no marks, flaws, scratches, or other issues to mention, making this the ideal example of the AU-58+ grade. The die state is advanced, with flowlines and bulges on both sides.<p>We know of five certified Mint State examples of this variety. Eric Newman owned two, both sold in 2017. One was from the legendary Stepney Hoard (NGC MS-63 BN, sold for $18,000), the other apparently came from B.G. Johnson (also NGC MS-63 BN, sold for $10,200). Partrick had the likely finest known example, the magnificent Garrett coin, an MS-64 BN (NGC) coin that brought $9,000 in 2021. Phil Keller's coin was graded MS-61 BN (NGC) when sold at Heritage in 2010. The only Mint State example certified by PCGS is the MS-62 BN example we sold in November 2024 for $8,200; it sold at Heritage in July 2025 for $6,000. This piece, while not Mint State, rivals any of them for overall quality and visual appeal.<p>As one of the more prolific die marriages among Machin's Mills halfpence, this variety is a frequent choice for collectors who seek to own just one example for type coin purposes. Whether you are an advanced specialist in the series like Mr. August was, or a type collector with a taste for superb eye appeal, this coin could be a collection highlight. This coin served as the plate coin for this variety in the <em>Whitman Encyclopedia</em> and both editions of <em>The History and Coinage of Machin's Mills</em> by Howes, Rosen, and Trudgen.